Eastern Screech-owl

Eastern Screech-owl rescued last night by a Bedford County teenager. The young man noticed the owl beside the road while driving and stopped to see if could fly away. When the owl failed to lift, he gathered our patient up. The owl is being treated for head trauma. Prognosis is guarded. Thanks to the many kind people that take time to help us with injured wildlife. Swvawildlifecenter.org #swvawildlifecenter

Kinner

Park Ranger Kinner Ingram released a Brown bat after rescuing it weeks before. It was cold and windy when Kinner witnessed the bat plummet to the ground. The bat was treated for severe bruising to a wing. On release, the bat flew to the ground, quickly recovered, then immediately left the area. Kinner spent summers interning at the center. We are very proud of the grand man Kinner Ingram has become. Swvawildlifecenter.org #swvawildlifecenter — with Kinner Ingram.

Eastern Bluebird

I adore my rescued indoor felines. But, please help me write an epitaph suitable for this Eastern Bluebird brought into the center today. He had been out foraging when he sustained serious injuries from a cat. Though he is but a single soul lost in the millions of native species killed by outdoor cats each year, I suspect his life is a precious to him as ours is to each of us. A recent study shows 70% of birds and 80% mammals die from cat attacks. Domestic cats are bred to be our companions. In that sense, they are not ‘natural’ to the ecosystem; at least they weren’t, until we humans introduced them. Their use as rodent control is no longer needed. Many believe a domestic cat may only kill weak animals that were going to die. If that was true, then they just culled a meal from a natural predator causing further problems in the ecosystem. Wildlife such as Bobcats, Cougars and Mountain Lions kill to sustain life unless provoked to defend their territory. Our wildlife and environment desperately need our help, as do our pets. Household cats allowed outside have more diseases, injuries, and a shorter life span than those kept inside. We cannot save every life but we can certainly start by first keeping household cats inside, away from harm and wildlife. Our daily actions are

mirrored back to us. Wildlife is necessary for our long term existence. Become a steward of wildlife.

Eastern Screech-Owl

We had to search one cage today to locate an Eastern Screech-Owl. He was easily camouflaged and was finally found resting in the fake foliage we use to simulate a natural habitat. They love cover and wait until prey comes along, quickly diving down to collect their meal. To attract and help Screech-Owls especially if you live in the suburbs, consider placing a nest box on your property.

Silver-haired bat

Our Silver-haired bat patient is scheduled to be released Saturday, providing temperatures for 3 evenings stay above 40 degrees. Their coloring is perfect for camouflaging them with the bark on trees and the crevices they hibernate in. Diet consist of softer insects as moths to spiders. Sadly, migrating silver-haired bats are 1 of the 3 most commonly killed by wind mills.

Officer Hurt

Vinton Officer Hurt released a Cooper’s hawk for us today that he rescued. The hawk was rescued December 22, 2016, in Vinton at the Hardy Road Kroger after hitting a window. Thank you Officer Hurt for saving the hawk.

Cedar Waxwings

Three surviving Cedar Waxwings recovered after arriving at the center in shock and unable to move. One Cedar Waxwings suffered chest trauma that has healed. The flock was foraging in a tree on Campbell Avenue in downtown Roanoke. Something spooked the flock and 12 struck and hit the windows, falling to the ground. Only three made it to the center alive. Waxwings are social and they will need to be released with a flock.

Camouflage

It’s a stake out! The camouflage of Eastern Screech owl’s allows them to blend with their surroundings. If the owl is discovered by birds, they notify others and harassment begins. Birds aggravate owls encouraging the predator to move along, leaving them a safer area.